A third candidate, this time with local roots, will be soon entering the race to become the province’s next premier.

Ken Cheveldayoff, the current Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport will formally launch his campaign to replace Brad Wall as Saskatchewan Party leader Monday at noon. Thursday, he spoke to the Daily Herald about his intention to run, and his focus on issues facing the Prince Albert Area.

“I let the media know that I will not be attending another cabinet meeting and that I’ll be giving the premier my resignation (from cabinet) in the next couple of days,” he said. “On Monday at noon in Saskatoon I will be making my announcement.

The Saskatoon-Willowgrove MLA, originally from Blaine Lake, sees Prince Albert as almost like a second home. He feels his rural upbringing and experience representing an urban area gives him the perfect background to lead the province.

“Growing up in rural Saskatchewan (I saw) the challenges and benefits of living in a small town,” he said.

“My dad was a farmer and my mom was a teacher, so farming and agriculture are very, very close to my heart.”

Cheveldayoff has already started mobilizing support in Prince Albert. Local lawyer Peter V. Abrametz will head his campaign committee. Wednesday, Cheveldayoff called the mayor and the chamber of commerce, as well as other community and business leaders, to notify them of his intentions.

“I gave a courtesy call … to let them know I’m going to make Prince Albert a priority in my campaign,” he said.

“Much of my formative years were in Prince Albert,” he said.

For more on this story please see the August 25 print or e-edition of the Daily Herald